Visualization of solid distribution with heterogeneity inside fixed bed gasifier

Fixed bed gasifiers are frequently used for biomass gasification as they have a relatively high efficiency for the conversion biomass to syngas, on a small scale. The distribution of solid particles inside a fixed bed gasifier is usually heterogeneous. This distribution is unknown as the currently used reactions cause the particles to continuously change states. A novel gasifier has been designed to investigate the distribution of these particles inside the gasifier. An opening system at the bottom of the gasifier was equipped to collect particles, without affecting the shapes and positions of the particles remaining inside the gasifier after quenching, at any given point of operation. Because only the bottom of the reactor is opened, the distribution of particles inside the gasifier can be known without the need for transportation, tilting, or splitting of the reactor itself. The gasification performance of this novel gasification system was investigated by varying the distribution of different particles inside the gasifier. Different phenomena, such as product gas distribution were observed during the operation of the gasifier. These phenomena were confirmed by direct observation, using the novel collection/visualization system for solid particles inside the gasifier.